NFHS Adopts Volleyball Rule Changes

Indianapolis, Ind. – The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has adopted eight rule revisions for girls and boys volleyball. The majority of the rule changes are focused on official procedures and mechanics in an effort to improve game flow. All changes will be in effect for the 2013-14 season.

The most significant change involves altering the signal sequence for officials. Rule 5-2-1 now permits the fault-calling referee to indicate the result of a play-point or replay — followed by the nature of the fault. This change allows the scorer to immediately record the score and prepare for other responsibilities such as substitutions and recording time-outs. The Volleyball Rules Committee said play will be more consistent since there is no delay in knowing which team will have the next serve.

Four other rule changes also involve official procedures and mechanics, including where teams report at the conclusion of sets and matches, the handling of the coin toss prior to a deciding set, and which official is responsible for signing the scoresheet at the conclusion of the match.

The remaining rule changes concern game administration and uniforms. They alter rules regarding use of electronic communication during matches, players use of towels during competition and the responsibility of the host institution in securing officials. Finally a rule is now in place to allow a special time-out to be called by the referee due to player injury.

The complete release on the NFHS volleyball rules changes can be found here. A complete list of all the rule changes approved by the committee is available here.